How do you leave work at work when you’re still worried about your patients? For nurses and anyone in an emotionally demanding job, clocking out doesn’t always mean switching off. And when you’re exhausted, even making plans on your days off can feel like another demand.
In this episode of The Resilience Factor podcast, Dr. Pamela Mehta talks with ICU nurse Mercedes Balingit about nurse burnout and what has helped her after difficult shifts. Mercedes shares how she leans on coworkers, makes room for rest without forcing herself to be social, and protects sleep between night shifts. Drawing on her own experience, she also explores when leaving an unsupportive job can be part of building a nursing career you want to stay in.
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Meet ICU Nurse Mercedes Balingit
01:05 How Do You Leave Work at Work?
03:24 Why Do You Feel Emotionally Drained After Work?
04:16 How Do You Rest Without Feeling Guilty?
05:46 Why Start Therapy When Life Looks Good on Paper?
07:11 How Do Nurses Cope With Difficult Patient Experiences?
09:03 How ICU Nursing Changes Your Perspective on Life
10:52 Finding a Life Outside Nursing
11:43 Nursing School During COVID
12:27 Is Working Night Shift Isolating?
13:52 How Do You Wind Down After a Night Shift?
15:22 What Helps With Nurse Burnout?
16:54 How Do You Choose a Nursing Specialty?
19:33 What Do Medical Dramas Get Wrong About Nursing?
21:07 When Is It Time to Leave a Nursing Job?
23:48 Why Do ICU Nurses Use Dark Humor?
25:41 What Do ICU Patients Teach You About Resilience?
GUEST RESOURCES:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercedesbalingitt/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mercedesbalingitt
THE RESILIENCE FACTOR WITH DR. PAMELA MEHTA:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiQ_AOy_Pd4mEXrsUN3hC6dEtSpmtQuDF&si=szS_5tqUV85kV1R9
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-resilience-factor/id1822815775
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3D3mys5DJka3zrsdKEPVs3?si=c56539bea0174bbd
HOST RESOURCES:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pamelamehta
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.pamelamehta
Become a Patient: https://www.resilienceorthopedics.com
Earn FREE CE Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network!
ABOUT DR. PAMELA MEHTA:
Pamela Mehta, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, practice owner, chief medical officer of the Good Feet Store, and founder of the education platform Learn at Pinnacle. Dr. Mehta specializes in minimally invasive surgery, orthobiologics, and sports medicine. She helps people of all stages of life learn how to live a healthier life, longer.
Disclaimer: Pamela Mehta, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.
